SAFE Bet Act of 2025

Summary · Congressional Research Service (nonpartisan)

This bill establishes minimum federal standards for sports betting. It also requires federal agencies to evaluate the effects of sports betting on public health. The bill prohibits sports betting unless conducted through an approved state program; violations are subject to civil penalties. States administering a sports betting program must obtain approval of the program every three years from the Department of Justice (DOJ). In providing approval or renewal, DOJ must determine that the state’s program meets minimum standards specified in the bill, including designating a state regulatory entity to regulate sports betting operators and enforce state laws, prohibiting operators from marketing during live broadcasts of sporting events, prohibiting betting by individuals under 21 or members of sports organizations, implementing affordability protections such as certain deposit limits and income verification, requiring operators to allocate funding for treatment and education on gambling disorders, and facilitating a state self-exclusion list (and a national list in coordination with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) so individuals may voluntarily restrict or place limits on their sports betting. Also, the bill requires various federal agencies to expand surveillance of gambling addiction, conduct a nationwide survey annually on the harm caused by online sports betting, and report to Congress on public health challenges related to sports betting.